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Chances 23

Richard couldn’t keep still. He kept looking and looking at his phone with every minute that pass. It was almost twelve o’clock yet he still hasn’t received any text or call from Maya. He’s starting to get worried. He really had no idea what’s happening to her at the very moment. He’s getting anxious in receiving a single text from her.

“Hey, Richard, are you listening?” James asked as he continued to snap his fingers in front of Richard but still, he wouldn’t even acknowledge his friend. James sighed. “Bro, si Maya oh.”

Richard immediately turned from his seat. “Where? What is she doing here?” He asked. A frown immediately went to his face when he realized that James was just tricking him.

“What? Don’t glare at me like that!” James said. “Ikaw naman kasi eh. Masyado kang bothered. Ano bang meron?” He asked as he popped a piece of grape in his mouth.

His best friend sighed as he leaned back on his swivel chair. “It’s lunch time, right? I should probably call her.”

“Damn, Richard. Ano bang meron?” James asked as he threw a piece of grape at Richard. “Kanina ka pa hindi mapakali ah. And I’m thinking that it has something to do with Maya.”

Richard groaned and bent down to pick up the piece of grape on the floor. “Littering is not allowed in my office.” He said.

“It’s Maya. My father called her up last night and offered her a job and she took it.” Richard explained.

“So, Maya’s at Vanguard. Working. For your father.” James repeated the words and when he looked at Richard, he just nodded. “Wow. Parang ang awkward lang.”

“It’s not that.” Richard sighed again. “My f-father and I fought yesterday. Before that, I suggested that he should fire his secretary. And I think he did and now he hired Maya. I don’t know what his plan is or what he intends to do. I’m just worried.”

James nodded and patted his friend on his shoulder. “Well, you worry too much, bro. Sa maikling panahon ng pagkakakilala ko kaya Maya, masasabi kong hindi siya yung tipo ng tao na madaling nagpapauto.” He assured. James could really see that his friend was so worried that his words were just not enough.

Of all Richard’s past relationships, James could easily tell that this time is different. There are so many things that changed ever since Richard and Maya became a couple. He was secretly hoping inside that Maya would finally be the one for Richard. James knew all of Richard’s ups and downs and he was sure that there are more downs in his life. Richard really needs Maya in his life right now. She’s the only one who can and who will balance things out for Richard.

“Sir, ito po pala yung final draft ni Richard. I insisted on bringing it here since I .. I now work for you.” Maya politely said as she handed the envelope to Roberto. “Ang sabi po niya, i-email niyo na lang daw po kung may changes pa raw po kayong gustong ipaayos.”

Roberto pulled out the paper from the envelope and eyed it carefully. It was exactly what he said to his son and if he will be the one to do the draft, he would do the exact same thing as what was shown on that paper. Richard really did a splendid job in designing the house, something he never expected. Roberto just watched him from a far through the years but never really made any move to look at his works, even the ones on going. He knew he will just regret those years when he should’ve been teaching him all of the things he knew about architecture. And that’s what he’s feeling right now.

Roberto nodded and placed the paper on the table. “The draft will do. Set an appointment for Mr. Lim tomorrow so we could finalize the plans for the renovation.” He said.

Maya nodded and went out from his office. “Mag-ama talaga ‘to.” She muttered when she got back to her station. A few hours ago, Roberto asked her if she could help him reconcile with his son. It was a very heart aching site to see. The old man doesn’t look like a top architect. He just looks like a normal father, finding his lost son. And then just a while ago, he’s back to being that top architect. He even gave Maya loads of work that she had been doing for the whole morning. “Ang gulo nila pareho.” She continued to mutter.

The phone on her desk rang and when she brought it her ear, Roberto’s stern voice spoke. “Maya could you go to the canteen? Just buy me some lunch.” He said and immediately brought the phone down. Maya just gaped with what the old man did. He can really be rude. Maya stood up from his seat and went down to get Roberto’s lunch. When she was already on the canteen, she realized that she too was hungry. After buying lunch, she rode the elevator again to go back to Roberto’s office. She placed her lunch first on her table and knocked on Roberto’s door to give his.

Roberto’s head was bowed when Maya entered his office. She knew he’s still working, just like his son. I wonder if it runs in the family. “Ah Sir, ito na po yung lunch niyo.” Maya said and placed a salad and a container with rice and adobo on the table. She tried hard not to believe but a sly smile was really on Roberto’s face.

“Did you know that Richard doesn’t eat cucumber?” Roberto said, his tone was really amused. “He got it from his mom. Esmeralda doesn’t also eat cucumber.”

Maya nodded politely. “Sige po, Sir. Excuse me po.” She said and turned to head outside. There it was again. Roberto was looking at her like the father earlier and she knew that the architect would come again anytime soon. “Parang bipolar eh. Paibaiba ng mood.” She muttered.

After giving thanks, she opened up her lunch and started to dig in. Then her phone rang. It was Richard. Maya bit her lip, knowing she was in trouble. She’s been occupied with all of the work Roberto gave her that she totally forgot to text him.

“Ayos lang. Mahal mo pa rin naman ako. I’ve got nothing to lose.” Richard said making Maya blush. “Are you still there?” He asked and Maya just produced a tiny tone of what he thinks is a yes. “Kinikilig ka ano?”

Roberto shrugged. “I really have no idea.” He said. “Ah, I’m sorry if I’m a bit tight on you. It’s just that I don’t want any complications when it comes to work. Everything must always be running smoothly.”

Maya sighed. Richard and his father really need to talk, and she really meant talking, and not shouting. They are both pained by what’s happening between them and Maya has become their bridge. She’s getting trapped and the only way out is to keep them from fighting.

All stories that were posted in this website were originally made by afractionofmyhippocampus. If you are to copy, please ask permission first before doing so. Also, posting the said stories on other websites is not allowed unless the author allowed it and credits were shown.
Happy Reading! God bless!
-Afractionofmyhippocampus
August 2013 - Present